The Oku Ibom Ibibio and other traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State have condemned the incessant attacks in Oku Iboku in the Itu Council Area of the state by assailants from neighboring Cross River State.

This is just as the monarchs declared support for Governor Udom Emmanuel’s resolve of maintaining peace and guaranteeing safety of lives and properties in the state.

The declaration was made at a joint meeting of Paramount Rulers and Clan Heads presided over by the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr Solomon Daniel Etuk, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital over the weekend.

At the meeting which was held at the Traditional Rulers Council Chambers, the traditional rulers applauded the general security situation in the state but suggested that security be beefed up in some vulnerable local government areas such as Itu, Oruk Anam and Mbo Local Government Areas.

Addressing the gathering, Etuk stated that Akwa Ibom State under the administration of Governor Emmanuel has earned a reputation for being peaceful and called on traditional rulers to continue synergising with the administration for enhanced results.

The patriarch of the Ibibios, however, stressed that security issues like the recent invasion and killings at Oku Iboku in Itu by assailants from Cross River State should be addressed by security agencies.

He further expressed confidence that the issue and others including a few communal clashes would soon be addressed, saying the state government and security agencies were capable to curtail the situation.

The monarch also thanked the state government for treating their welfare with importance and expressed belief that issues of increased stipends and other concerns shall be addressed by government in due course.

Etuk, however, the traditional rulers them to be firmer in their support of government’s policies and programmes, insisting that although monarchs have the right as citizens to suggest to government in power, they should not indulge in antagonizing political authorities.

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Speaking on the 2023 general election, the monarch called on his colleagues in the state to preach peace and political tolerance in their respective domains just as he advised them to remain apolitical by only playing an advisory role to aspirants and the electorates.

On his part, the paramount ruler of Itu LGA, Dr Edet Akpan Inyang, commended the traditional rulers’ council for bringing up the invasion and killings in his domain for discussion.

Inyang said the issue has assumed a wider dimension as the attackers keep launching frequent attacks on Itu, especially the Oku Iboku axis.

He further called on the state government and the entire Akwa Ibom people to rise in defence of Itu.

He also implored the Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State Government to settle the long-standing boundary problem.

Also speaking at the meeting, the paramount ruler of Ikot Abasi, Dr Udo Joe Ntukobom, re-echoed the call for security to be strengthened especially in the riverine parts of the state.

The Chairman, Assembly of Clan Heads in Akwa Ibom State, Etebom Ubong Okokon, appealed for improved welfare for clan heads, enhanced security of clans and villages, provision of a chamber for clan heads, and provision of an operational vehicle for the forum.

He pledged their support and loyalty to Governor Emmanuel’s administration.

Other clan heads raised concerns bordering on the provision of social amenities, negative effects of open grazing of cattle, and cultism.

The Star